The talks in Syria began today, with the Syrian government and opposition exchanging accusations and invectives. Missing was the voice of nonviolent civilians, especially women, even through they have been trying for months to have a seat at the table.
Last year, only 17% of attendees at the World Economic Forum’s annual conference at Davos were women. This year, it’s 15%.
There will be some 35 countries making statements in Montreux today. But there will be no voice for the people who have the greatest stake in these talks: the women of Syria and civil society.
Solomon Islands Parliamentarian Milner Tozaka says he supports the women’s desire to have 10 seats reserved for them in the National Parliament.
I laughed over the François Hollande “affair”, even when Valérie Trierweiler’s “deep blues” resulted her being hospitalised. Seemed like the vapours that conveniently overcame Victorian ladies. Ha ha.